Danvers‘s Hometown News Site

Some movies embrace their budgetary constraints and transform them into assets, delivering a creative, rough-around-the-edges experience that still packs a punch. TRANCERS is one of those films. With a blend of sci-fi, noir, and time travel, it taps into the best elements of genre filmmaking without competing with the era's big-budget productions. Instead, it thrives on its premise, performances, and a pulpy sense of adventure that keeps things fun despite its flaws.

In 1953, director Jack Arnold, famed for his science fiction endeavors, detoured into film noir with THE GLASS WEB. This crime thriller, set against the burgeoning television industry, explores a narrative rich in ambition, deceit, and moral ambiguity.

Sometimes, the most compelling narratives come from characters forced to navigate impossible circumstances, testing their resilience against a world that offers them little authority. This film is one of those—packed with shifting allegiances, calculated risks, and a protagonist who refuses to let others decide her fate. It’s equal parts noir, social commentary, and psychological drama wrapped in a visually striking package that feels sharp and immersive.

Eureka Entertainment presents a fascinating double feature showcasing Venom Mob’s range with THE DAREDEVILS and ODE TO GALLANTRY. These two films highlight Venom Mob's martial arts prowess while exposing Chang Cheh’s storytelling strengths and weaknesses. While these films stand as a testament to the group's versatility, they also demonstrate the limitations of focusing on physical spectacle over narrative cohesion.

Standing in the shadow cast by Bruce Lee, SHAOLIN BOXERS arrived quietly on the martial arts scene, a humble contender amid the genre’s bustling heyday. Directed by Ta Huang, a filmmaker whose resume barely extends beyond this entry, this film won't reshape your idea of kung fu cinema, but it might earn your affection for its oddly endearing sincerity even if it stumbles through familiar ground, just enough flashes of charm and idiosyncratic details intrigue viewers.

LOCKED takes the tension of a thriller and cranks it up inside the unlikeliest of arenas—a luxury SUV (a “2024 Dolus” was specifically designed and built for the film for $1.3 million. Based on the Land Rover Defender, only two were made – one for the interior shots and one for the stunt driving sequences.) What starts as a seemingly routine car theft quickly spirals into a fight for survival as Eddie, played by Bill Skarsgård, finds himself at the mercy of William, a self-proclaimed vigilante brought to life by Anthony Hopkins. Directed by David Yarovesky and produced by Sam Raimi, the film traps audiences in a tightly wound battle of wits and wills, transforming a confined space into a psychological battlefield where the difference between justice and cruelty is razor-thin.

If you ever wondered how quickly society could slip backward when confronted with its deepest fears, look no further than HOOD WITCH—a contemporary drama set on the rugged outskirts of modern-day Paris. This isn't your typical scary flick stuffed with jump-scares or ghostly apparitions. Instead, director Saïd Belktibia cleverly uses familiar horror conventions to craft a cutting social commentary, making it clear right from the get-go that he's got something meaningful—and undeniably relevant—to say. Though occasionally uneven execution, the film still hits many marks, boosted by a committed cast and a flair that helps lift it above the ordinary.

When the battlefield smoke clears, there's usually something heavier lurking in the silence that follows. Colin Henning’s APPALACHIAN DOG captures this lingering tension through a unique exploration of a soldier’s return home after World War II. It's 1946, and amidst the quietness of the Appalachian mountains, a tailor and his seamstress wife attempt a hopeful and unsettling reunion. Henning's debut offers a compelling look into the strained home life of post-war, layered with heartfelt performances, stunning cinematography, and quiet humor, though occasionally held back by overly cautious storytelling.

Celebrity obsession has always bordered on the extreme, but ANTIVIRAL imagines a world where the lines between admiration and possession have completely blurred. In this cold, clinical future, fandom is not just about following your favorite star’s career or emulating their style—it’s about physically experiencing their existence. The film takes this concept and stretches it to unsettling extremes, where people pay for the privilege of injecting themselves with viruses extracted directly from celebrities. The result is a horror-tinged dystopian thriller that feels uncomfortably plausible, raising disturbing questions about identity, devotion, and the commodification of the human body.

Rarely has a dystopian world been presented with such a wicked sense of humor. This film plunges into a surreal nightmare where desperation breeds absurdity, and every frame bursts with creativity. Mixing a dark tone of comedy, horror, and romance with an offbeat energy, it constructs a bizarre yet captivating universe that refuses to adhere to conventions.

THE MASK OF SATAN resurrects an old curse, blending Gothic horror with supernatural possession to create a visually sinister, if sometimes uneven, experience. Lamberto Bava channels the spirit of his father’s work while injecting his 80s-inspired flair, crafting a film that thrives on haunting imagery and an unsettling sense of isolation. While the narrative struggles to maintain momentum, the film’s visuals, score, and surreal horror sequences make it a fascinating relic of its time. The young Bava was certain to clarify that this wasn’t a remake but an homage to his father's work (as he was notoriously known for hating remakes…)

Certain films capture the balance between ambition and connection, but few do it with the depth and sincerity found here. This story is about intellect and emotion colliding, a thoughtful examination of what happens when two minds push in opposite directions. Its layered storytelling, dialogue, and visual contrasts deliver an experience far beyond the final frame.

Few thrillers tackle institutional corruption with the ferocity seen here. This film distinguishes between exposing systemic failures and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Wrapped in military discipline and chain-of-command politics, the narrative builds a mystery while confronting uncomfortable realities about power, secrecy, and justice. The deeper the investigation goes, the murkier the morality becomes, making an unsettling experience as compelling as it is.

There’s something undeniably captivating about uncovering the secrets of a place designed to be flawless. STOLEN KINGDOM thrives on that sense of curiosity, revealing the hidden world of urban explorers, underground collectors, and the gray areas where nostalgia and crime intersect. Director Joshua Bailey delivers a documentary that feels like an expose on Disney and a surreal experience, pulling audiences into a world where passion for a theme park turns into an obsession with trespassing and stolen artifacts. It’s an unfiltered look at a community that operates in the shadows of a corporate giant, raising questions about ownership, ethics, and just how far some fans are willing to go for a piece of history.

VOICES CARRY is an indie thriller by writer-directors Abby Brenker and Ellyn Vander Wyden. Set against the eerie tranquility of a New Hampshire lake and home, the film laces a character-driven psychological drama that explores the weight of the past and how it seeps into the present. It’s a slow-burn, atmospheric story that embraces mood and suspense over conventional horror tropes, blending human drama and mystery.

Music haunts the people who leave it behind, whispering reminders of what once was and what still could be. This film takes that idea and runs with it, exploring what happens when someone who once lived for music finds herself in a life where that passion feels more like a distant echo than a present reality. It’s a story of crossroads, of grappling with the weight of responsibility while longing for something more, and it delivers this emotional journey with a mix of grounded storytelling and whimsical musical numbers. While it doesn’t always hit the right notes, it makes an earnest attempt to blend reality and fantasy.

THE EXECUTION OF JULIE ANN MABRY doesn’t shy away from harsh realities—it leans into them, delivering an unpolished film in all the right ways. With a fraction of the budget, most productions would burn through in a week, and this independent effort delivers something more impactful than many dramas that cost ten times their budget. It’s an unflinching look at a life shaped by violence, neglect, and an unforgiving system, all told through a perspective that feels deeply personal.

There’s something magical about how certain documentaries find a heartbeat that echoes beyond the screen. This one carries that kind of pulse, blending nature’s beauty with the determination of those who fight to preserve it. More than just a story about hummingbirds, it’s a testament to resilience—both in the wild and within the human spirit. A wildlife rehabilitator is at the center of it all, offering her time, skill, and boundless empathy to creatures so small they could be almost be overlooked. Yet, so significant, they become symbols of survival.

Streaming may seem easy, but there’s nothing like holding a film in your hands—real, tangible, and permanent. For those who live and breathe physical media, BOUTIQUE: TO PRESERVE AND COLLECT is more than a documentary; it’s a battle cry. It’s a film that speaks directly to the diehard collectors, the cinephiles who revel in discovering hidden gems, and the passionate preservationists who refuse to let corporate licensing agreements dictate cinema's past, present, and future. This isn’t just a celebration of boutique labels—it’s a rallying call for the true guardians of film history.

THE KLEZMER PROJECT doesn’t just tell a story—it plays with the idea of storytelling itself. Blurring the lines between reality and fiction, this film offers more than a documentary on Klezmer music (an instrumental musical tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews of Central and Eastern Europe;) it explores identity, history, and how narratives evolve. What begins as an impulsive deception to impress someone quickly transforms into an odyssey of cultural rediscovery, proving that searching for one thing sometimes leads to something entirely unexpected.

Underwater horror isn’t exactly uncharted territory, but few films in the genre embrace chaos and high-stakes action quite like this one. Taking a concept that could have easily sunk into mediocrity, it delivers an adrenaline-pumping spectacle that balances suspense, action, and even a few unexpected laughs. It’s a creature feature that plays with audience expectations, never shying away from bold choices and ensuring no one is truly safe. With an isolated setting that turns the ocean into both a playground and a graveyard, it offers a thrilling experience that still holds up decades later. Not to mention a soundtrack that I was a big fan of!

There’s something especially eerie about a mystery set in an isolated community, where the lines between truth and superstition blur, and paranoia can be as deadly as any killer. This is the unsettling core of DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING, a film that takes the structure of a murder mystery and layers it with social commentary and tension. While director Lucio Fulci is often associated with his later horror films, this entry in the Giallo genre is one of his most intriguing works, delivering a fascinating narrative and an examination of the fears lurking beneath the surface of small-town life.

Midlife crises take on many forms—some buy a flashy car, others revisit old hobbies, and then some go on a reckless mission to recover a lost piece of wrestling memorabilia. RAGING MIDLIFE sets up a premise that should be an easy win: nostalgia-fueled hijinks, absurd action, and a cast that includes Nic Costa, Rob Taylor, Paula Abdul, Eddie Griffin, and Walter Koenig. But instead of delivering a tight and engaging comedy, the film stumbles over its ambitions, getting lost in a mix of forced humor, underdeveloped characters, and a script that never fully capitalizes on its strongest ideas.

Sometimes, a story about an ordinary person navigating life’s unexpected twists can be as compelling as a grand epic. This film leans into its quirks, embracing a protagonist whose profession might seem unconventional but speaks to a deeper narrative about personal choice, class dynamics, and the inevitable march of progress. While it doesn’t fully stick the landing in all aspects, it remains an engaging look at one man’s attempt to hold onto his identity in a rapidly changing world.

KUNG FU ROOKIE is a delightful surprise from Kazakhstan's burgeoning film scene. Directed by Aman Ergaziyev, this action comedy introduces us to Timuchin (also what the film is known as in most regions,) a village youth portrayed by Timur Baktybayev who dreams of joining the police force. His journey into the city leads him to unexpected encounters with local gangsters, setting the stage for a series of energetic confrontations.